Daily Devotional for December 9, 2016

Luke 3:11
John told them, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
    
It was so cold today that the children had to have “indoor recess” at school.  Two classes combined in Timothy’s classroom, and his teacher turned on some classic Christmas cartoons from the 1940s. The children also had the option to do art projects. Some colored, others drew…and a couple of little girls attempted to make paper snowflakes.  I showed them how to fold the paper so that they would get a complete circle or square design.  They were enthralled.

Timothy and his friend Cage wanted to make snowflakes. I told them to get some paper.  Timothy said, “I don’t have any.” Cage pulled out a notebook filled with lined paper, and he said, “It’s no problem. I have plenty. Timmy, you don’t have to worry about it…I’ve got enough for both of us.” He tore out some paper, and I showed the boys how to cut the snowflakes, which we then taped to their desks.

Almost every Friday, I am moved by the kindness or generosity of a student I encounter…their unselfish spirit and willingness to look out for their fellow students. Yes, there are those who are selfish and never think of anyone but themselves.  But there are also plenty of kids who would gladly share an extra coat.  And while it is forbidden for health reasons, lots of kids are eager to share food in the cafeteria.  No child goes hungry, but they are not to eat food offered by another child.  However, that doesn’t stop some sneaky sharing from going on!  I guess where there is a will, there’s a way!

The point is that I believe God made us for giving.  He created us with an inherent spirit to share with our neighbor.  And somewhere along the line, some of us have lost that “heart.”  We’ve grown hard around the edges, selfish and self-centered.  And our closets and drawers bulge with more than we can ever use or enjoy.  Our cupboards and pantries are laden with food, and we think nothing of eating half a can of something and tossing the rest.  Meanwhile, there are countless people right in our own back yards who are “cold” and hungry…who have huge needs that we could fill.  And it’s time we started doing so!

The challenge for all of us is to get out of our comfort zone…to open our eyes and ears…and our hearts…and to figure out who needs a little of our abundance – and get it to them!  “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.”  A spirit of generosity and giving is really pretty simple…so why don’t we see evidence of these more often?  As I’ve said many times, if little kids can implement these concepts, why can’t we?  Isn’t it time we did?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 29, 2013

Philippians 4:16-19
Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.

At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

You’ve no doubt heard something about the “pay it forward” trend that has taken hold in several areas of our country in recent months.  One person will pull up at a restaurant drive-thru or get in line at the coffee shop and pay for his/her bill… and the person who is next in line.  Or someone will get their bill at a restaurant, and the server says, “The couple who just left has paid your bill already.”  I even heard of a drive-thru dry cleaning business where someone paid for the customer behind them in line… and set off a chain reaction of these payments!  And maybe you have wondered, “Why did they do this?  Are they rich?  Do they have ‘money to burn’?  Or are they on some sort of ego trip?”  The answer to all three questions is most likely, “No, no, and NO!”  I believe these people have figured out what Paul is telling the people of Philippi… that the kindness and generosity we show to others pleases God – and in turn, He meets all of our needs and blesses us in ways we cannot even imagine.

Greg and I have friends who do this sort of thing quite often.  She will pay the bill for someone who is getting a manicure alongside her.  They will pay the restaurant bill for a family with small children that they do not even recognize.  They are the first on the scene when a plea for help goes out… and they are always ready to do whatever is necessary for someone else.  This couple is not wealthy… at least not in the way we conventionally think!  They are “ordinary” hard-working people who enjoy helping others and serving God. They do this out of respect for all that God has given to them.  And let me tell you, they are blessed beyond measure in return!

“But I can barely pay my own bills… I can’t afford to pay someone else’s!” you may say.  And that’s okay.  Look around you… what CAN you give?  Do you have a few minutes you could spare to help a friend… or listen to his/her problems?  Did you have an extra serving from dinner that you could share with an elderly neighbor?  Do you have some clothing or household items you no longer use that could be donated to charity?  Could you send a note or e-mail message of encouragement to someone who is having a rough time?  Could you stop someone in the aisle at the store – or the hallway at school – and ask, “How are you doing?”… then stick around to hear their answer?  If you have been helped or blessed in some way, have you repaid that kindness – at least with respect toward the giver, if he/she was not anonymous?  Have you “paid it forward” in some way… ever?

Gratitude comes in many forms… and they all involve respect for what we have been given. If someone has treated you kindly, encouraged you, or helped you in some way… whether monetarily or otherwise …God is calling on you to extend gratitude and appreciation to them for being so generous.  If you know the person who has blessed you, offer this kindness directly. If the offerings were anonymous, do something nice for someone else as a way of “paying it forward”.  There are plenty of opportunities to help others and serve God in the process… if only we will look for them.

The bottom line is that God is pleased when we love and serve others… and He is equally pleased when we humbly show gratitude and respect for all that we have been given.  The questions for today are… “Who do you need to bless and serve in God’s name?” and “In addition to God, who do you need to thank for extending generous blessings in your direction?”  If you will do these things, God will meet all of your needs… and more.  He is continually “paying it forward”… are you?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 26, 2013

April 26 ~ Mark 4:21-25
Jesus went on: “Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don’t you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We’re not keeping secrets, we’re telling them; we’re not hiding things, we’re bringing them out into the open.
 
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?
 
“Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”
 
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
I’ve just cleaned my closets and drawers in preparation for a garage sale.  I really tried to be ruthless and go by the theory that “if you haven’t worn it in a year, it needs to go.”  I did pretty well, for a packrat!  But I hear there are people who have clothes in their closets with the tags still on them… things that have never been worn and often get tossed or sold as “new with tags.”  I cannot imagine doing such a thing… but I know it is fairly common – and you may even be one of these people. 
 
My husband and I watch the TV show American Pickers, and we have seen the two hosts visit more than one “collector” who has amazing things in his/her basement, barn, attic, sheds and garages… artifacts that belong in a museum or in the collection of someone who could restore and/or properly display them.  Instead, they are rotting and disintegrating… and the owner says, “Oh… I could never part with that!” – even when he/she is offered a fair price for them.  It’s such a shame to think that no one is getting to enjoy these items.  But before you start to cluck too loudly, think about your own closets and storage areas!

When it comes to our Christian faith… where do you keep yours – and how do you utilize it?  Are you one of those who received the gift of salvation, then went about “business as usual”?  Did you essentially put your Christianity in the closet with the tags still on and pretty much forget you even had it?  Or do you exercise your faith on a daily basis?  Are you ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone you encounter?  I don’t necessarily mean that you must preach to each person you meet – or even give your personal testimony.  But do you offer others a smile and a kind word?  Are you ready to pitch in and help whenever and wherever needed?  Do you treat others as you wish to be treated – or better?
 
Do others consider you to be a generous person?  Do they see you as someone with optimism, quiet strength and resolve – even in the midst of significant challenges?  Are you a person to whom others are drawn because of your joy and peace?  Do people want some of what you have – and not in a jealous way, but more in the spirit of “I’ll have some of what he/she’s got!”?  When others think of you, what words come to mind?  Do they picture Jesus?  Or are you like the forgotten item of clothing in the closet… hidden behind pieces that may have even seen better days… and still carrying the tags?  When someone asks you about your faith, are you like the collector who could never part with his/her treasure and allows it to deteriorate in a closet?
 
What are you doing with your Christian faith?  How are you serving in Jesus’ name?  God has given you such a tremendous gift… what are you giving in return?  Are you a giver… or merely a taker?  Does your light for Christ shine… or is it so far under the barrel that it’s less than a twinkle?  Are you striving to get ahead by constantly taking and never giving?  Isn’t it time to step up and out as a Christian disciple… to drop the excuses… and to shine generously for Jesus?  Wouldn’t this be a great time to begin?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 17, 2012

Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John kept objecting and said, “I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?”

Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all that God wants us to do.” Then John agreed.

So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Have you ever gotten an extravagant gift? Maybe someone did something for you that in no way could you repay or reciprocate. Perhaps you protested genuinely… “Oh, you shouldn’t have. I cannot accept.” Maybe the person persisted… “I insist! I want you to have this,” or “I want to do this for you.” Maybe someone offered to do something incredibly generous for you and said, “You must let me do this for you. I won’t allow you to refuse.”

Learning to accept gifts graciously is a big life lesson for many of us. And accepting Jesus’ gifts with obedience and gratitude is no exception. See, none of us deserves anything from Jesus. We truly are not worthy to even hear Him whisper our name, much less receive any of the blessings He bestows on us. Truly, John… the anointed forerunner of Christ… acknowledged that he was not worthy to baptize Jesus. But at the same time, John realized that obedience trumps worthiness. So when Jesus said, “… this is how it should be,” John listened.

I wonder…how well are we listening to God? Does it even occur to us that we really are not worthy of the things Jesus has done for us… the blessings, grace and mercy He continues to shower on us through His Holy Spirit each and every day? Have we grown so used to His gifts that we no longer feel the urge to protest? Do we act out of a sense of obedience to a God who has given so generously to us, or have we become complacent and now take Him for granted?

John’s baptism of Jesus was a major turning point in Christian history. Not only was Jesus’ significance to God emphasized, but both Jesus and John exemplified obedience. Jesus also demonstrated grace. In this moment, the importance of listening to God and doing what He commands was brought home in a profound way. We will never deserve a single thing from God. Yet He continues to shower us with His goodness. Our responsibility is to be obedient… even if it is to say, “Thank You for such a wonderful gift.”

With God, there is no need for “Oh, you shouldn’t have…” because that is a “given.” But a heartfelt, “Thank You, Master… how can I serve You?” is always appropriate. Have you stopped lately to thank God for what He does for you every minute of the day? Are you respectful and submissive? Do you attend to His will out of a sense of gratitude and faithfulness… or because you think you have to earn your way? When we come to a point in our Christian living where we operate from a profound sense of obedience and gratitude, we have turned a corner. When God calls on you to do something, how will you answer?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 22, 2012

Luke 6:26-30
"There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.

"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

The glass-topped coffee table on our back porch holds a potted begonia, some wrought-iron candleholders, and a decorative bird house. This house is presently the home of a rather ugly-looking, spotted Great Plains Toad, who I have named Frodo. Most of the day, Frodo sits in the birdhouse, draping his head out of the hole. At night, he often attaches himself to one of our windows and feasts on bugs drawn to the lamplight there.

I’ve kinda grown attached to Frodo. He’s cute, in an ugly sort of way. But I did my homework… he is also poisonous! Behind his eyes are glands that secrete a protective (to him) milky solution that could be toxic to dogs or cats who might find him fun to pursue. This substance can even cause some serious harm to a human, if one were to handle the frog and not wash your hands thoroughly afterward. My research indicates that Frodo may have come to this abode because his regular haunt – warm, damp ground in which to burrow – is not available right now. Ditto for his traditional fare of grubs, which he digs from the moist earth! So I will be kind to Frodo and allow him to stay in the birdhouse. I will “live generously” where he is concerned. But I will also see him for the potential scoundrel that he is… I’m aware of his truth!

There is a lesson here for all of us in our daily living. There are “scoundrels” among us… people who are a bit of a chameleon at best… changing with the wind or whatever best suits their desires at the moment. And while I don’t like to think I have any actual “enemies,” I know that there are people who only want what they feel I can give them… those who are nice enough to me when necessary but don’t actually give a hoot about my feelings or wellbeing. I recognize these people (most of the time)… and I hope I treat them generously in spite of their behavior - because God calls me to do so. I urge you to do the same.

I also ask that we would never be the scoundrel… that we would not treat others in a dishonest or disrespectful way or use them to get ahead or for our own benefit. I pray that we would operate in honesty and truth… love and genuine big-heartedness. God is calling us to be the real deal… to be sincere and authentic with others… but also to be charitable – even when we are being treated anything but kindly. It’s a tall order… but as we have discussed many times, we Christians were never promised “easy!”

I’m going to continue to allow Frodo to inhabit our birdhouse… but I won’t be doing anything to antagonize him! As for the “scoundrels” I encounter in life, I pray that I will have the wisdom to recognize them, the strength and courage to handle whatever they deliver, and the ability to treat them generously. In doing this, I hope that God will allow my best to shine through for Him. What about you?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 15, 2012

Romans 12:20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

There is an old adage shared in caregiving circles that suggests (I’m paraphrasing) that those receiving care often “bite the hand that feeds them.” In other words, if you are a caregiver, you probably get a lot of complaints and ingratitude – if not downright personal attacks – from the person for whom you are caring.

Even if you are not a caregiver, you may experience this in your daily living – from a fellow classmate, a co-worker, a family member, neighbor, or fellow church member. It may seem like the more you do for this person, the worse they treat you. And it is human nature for us to want to retaliate… to “give this person a dose of his/her own medicine”… to lash out – or even to turn our back on them and walk away.

I think one of the hardest actions for a Christian to master is treating others kindly – even generously – when they have offered us anything but kindness. Loving the unlovely is incredibly challenging sometimes. Doing this with the right attitude is even more difficult.

See, caregivers have to keep caregiving. You may have to continue to go to class with that irritating classmate – or work with the person who is unkind. You can’t always move away from unpleasant neighbors or distance yourself from a church member who rubs you the wrong way. And you most certainly cannot divorce your family – although many have wanted to do exactly that! So often, we treat these people kindly and with civility – but in our hearts, we are not feeling very charitable. We may even plot “mental revenge!”

God wants us to operate in a spirit of charity and kindness – no matter who or what comes our way. He wants our heart to be as generous and loving as our actions. This is a HUGE challenge… one I do not mean to diminish in the least… and I can assure you that I struggle with it daily! But we must ask God to continue to work in us – to fill us with so much joy and completeness in Him that nothing flaps us.

Ask God to help you work on your heart. Call on Him to give you a spirit of goodness and generosity toward others – from your head to your heart to your toes! The better you become at doing this, the lighter your heart will feel… the more joy and peace you will experience. Another adage says, “Living well is the best revenge.” Revel in demonstrating kindness and love… let God handle the paybacks… and truly live well in the LORD.

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 6, 2011

John 18:15-18
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That disciple knew the high priest, and he followed Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest's house. Peter stayed outside near the gate. But the other disciple came back out and spoke to the girl at the gate. She let Peter go in, but asked him, "Aren't you one of that man's followers?"

"No, I am not!" Peter answered.

It was cold, and the servants and temple police had made a charcoal fire. They were warming themselves around it, when Peter went over and stood near the fire to warm himself.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This is the time of year when we are all keenly aware of those around us who are in need. There are food and toy drives, programs to donate old coats to those who don’t have one, and “angel trees” that offer a chance to pick a child to provide with Christmas gifts. The Salvation Army bell ringers stand outside our department stores and urge us to drop in our spare change. And we do all of these things… and more… and go on our way feeling smug and satisfied with our own generosity.

The trouble is… many of us don’t operate with the same generous spirit the rest of the year. We develop an “it’s not my problem” attitude, and in doing so, we are no better than Peter. “Can you help?” we are asked over and again, and our answer is, “I don’t know them…” or “They don’t go to my church…” or quite literally, “That is simply not my problem.”

I will be the first to tell you that I do not donate to every cause for which I am asked. I toss plenty of solicitation letters in the trash, and I prayerfully choose who – and how – to help others. But this is the key… I try very hard to listen to God and follow His lead. If I feel God is telling me to put money in the Salvation Army bucket, I do it! If someone asks me to help a needy family in our area, and I feel that God expects me to do this, I step up to ask what is needed. Every time we fail to listen to God’s direction, we are denying our relationship with Him, just as Peter did.

I pray that you will stay in contact with God and prayerfully consider how and where He is calling you to serve. Don’t be guilty of denying your Father. Recognize His voice and answer in whatever manner He directs… not just during the Christmas holidays – but all year long.

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 22, 2010

Acts 2:42
They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

There have always been people in my “extended family” who were no blood relation. When my sister, brother and I were small, my parents were almost inseparable from another couple with two children our same ages. They were like a brother and sister to us, as were several other children whose parents were in my parents’ close inner circle of friends. And my mother’s childhood friend was forever my “Aunt Martha,” although we were not related by blood. Our close neighbors were like family members, and they shared our joys and our sorrows through the years.

My husband’s family had similar “extended family members”… friends, neighbors… people who were likely to show up at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any other time when we were all gathered together. And as an adult, some of our dear friends have become “extended family,” as well. For many years, our Christmas festivities included a childhood next-door neighbor who is like a sister to me, her husband and their children. Also often present was a friend of my mother-in-law who had no family members living in this area. And for many years, my parents’ Christmas Eve celebration included friends of ours who had few, if any, relatives living nearby. We made them part of our family.

As years passed, some of my relatives moved away. Many others passed away, and the number of attendees at our holiday gatherings dwindled. But then we began to look around at those who had no relatives – and nowhere to go – and we started to include them in our celebration. We didn’t actively go out looking for “recruits” – it sort of happened naturally… or Supernaturally! And now, our holiday celebrations often include one or two people who are part of our extended family. We don’t love them any less, and we enjoy sharing our table, our gifts, and our company with them.

Our bonds have strengthened over the years, and the extended family members have become special to us. They know that they always have a place at our table and in our homes – during the holidays or any other time. And I am quite sure that this practice will continue in the years ahead. We’ve discovered that we are blessed far more than our guests when we open our hearts – and our homes – to them.

Who in your circle of friends have you overlooked this Christmas? Who has nowhere to go… no Christmas dinner to attend… no stocking on the mantel or even the tiniest package waiting under a tree somewhere? Who could you include in your festivities and offer a few hours of your hospitality – and the love of Christ – this holiday? Have you learned from the apostles and opened your heart and your home to others? Isn’t this a perfect time to begin?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 17, 2010

2 Corinthians 3:3-4
You are like a letter written by Christ and delivered by us. But you are not written with pen and ink or on tablets made of stone. You are written in our hearts by the Spirit of the living God. We are sure about all this. Christ makes us sure in the very presence of God.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

In 1987, my husband and I quit our jobs and moved back to Heber Springs – our hometown – to begin a new business venture. Because we were just getting started and weren’t as busy as we would become in later years – and because we had vowed to find time to volunteer in our community – we delivered Meals on Wheels one day a week. We grew fond of the people on our little route… mostly elderly folks – some of whom were feeble and/or infirm in some manner.

The first winter, we had a major snowstorm. Fourteen inches of snow fell in a little more than a day. Virtually EVERYTHING came to a stop in our community. But as the snow began to pile up the first morning, the people who cooked the meals at the Senior Citizen center scrambled to prepare food for their clients – and even a little extra for the coming days. And they began to search for drivers who were willing to brave the elements to get these meals out to the people who needed them. Our car had front wheel drive, and we gladly offered to help.

It was cold… snow was blowing in a fierce wind… and we trudged through the deepening drifts to knock on the doors of homes where people were hunkered down trying to stay snug and warm. But they were so glad to see us. We made sure they had what they needed and asked if they could use anything extra. I don’t know how we thought we would have gotten back to them with it, but we would have tried.

We carried a lot more than hot food and a couple of cartons of milk to these people. We carried love and a smile… and in doing so, we carried the very presence of God. For the last few years, my husband has once again taken a route delivering Meals on Wheels at least one day a week – and sometimes more days if he is needed to substitute. And I tell him often that he is delivering so much more than food. He visits with his clients and makes sure they are well. He offers them a glimpse into the outside world… and the little ladies on his route love to see a handsome man come through the door!

But truly, his meal delivery is a blessing. The food he carries to these doorsteps feeds the body, but his smile and genuine care and concern carry the love of our Heavenly Father. His deliveries are a letter written on the hearts of these people by the Spirit of the Living God.

We take for granted the blessing of a hot meal, a warm house, and knowing we will have plenty if a major “snowstorm” befalls us. We also take for granted the opportunity to share a blessing with someone else… a “love letter” from God Almighty… in the form of something as simple as a hot meal and a carton of milk… a phone call… a note to say “thinking of you” or “I’m praying for you today”… or even a hug.

Somehow this comes a little easier to us at this time of year. We find it more moving to write the checks to charities, buy toys for needy children, or contribute canned goods to a food drive during the Christmas season. But honestly, we should be doing this all year long, wherever and whenever we can. If every single person bought an extra can of soup or tuna – an extra box of pasta or cereal – another tube of toothpaste or a bar of soap… and gave it to a food drive or an agency like Cleburne County Cares, countless people could have a “love letter from God” – and we would never miss the few pennies or dollars.

There are many ways we can deliver God’s love letter that don’t cost a dime… and a zillion ways that are more than affordable to most of us. All it takes is a prayer… all we have to do is ask God to show us where and how to deliver His love, and He will open doors and windows and flood us with opportunities. The question is… are you willing to be God’s messenger? Will you stand up and accept the challenge to deliver…and be the very presence of God to others? Will someone get a “love letter from God” this week because of you?

©2010 Debbie Robus